Reading Assistant

MSD of Lawrence Township • Sunnyside, IN

1d

About The Position

The Reading Assistant collaborates with classroom teachers to plan and deliver standards-based literacy instruction across primary grade levels, participates in Professional Learning Communities, engages in Science of Reading professional development, and provides Science of Reading-aligned reading interventions. The role also supports students’ reading and language arts learning individually and in small groups, helps teachers prepare and reinforce instructional materials, and assists with assessments, record keeping, classroom behavior, and student supervision. The assistant supports students with special needs in classroom instruction and daily activities, follows applicable safety procedures, and may participate in the IEP process and assist with parent contact. Additional related duties may be assigned.

Requirements

• Meet guidelines for a Highly Qualified Instructional Assistant: 60 completed college credit hours, or a ParaPro PRAXIS score of 460 or greater. Official or unofficial transcripts are accepted.
• If the candidate has neither the qualification nor proof of it, they may take the ParaPro PRAXIS exam for a fee.
• Ability to carry out instructions furnished in written or oral form.
• Ability to perform arithmetic operations as needed to assist students.
• Ability to understand, apply, and use personal computers and software applications such as Word and Excel.
• Ability to work with a diverse group of individuals.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of information regarding students, employees, and others.
• Ability to establish a supportive and compassionate relationship with students with special needs.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with students, staff, and others contacted in the course of work.
• Ability to report work orally or in writing to a supervisor as required.
• Effective writing and verbal communication skills.
• Any combination of education and experience providing the required skills and knowledge for successful performance; typical qualifications are equivalent to a high school diploma or equivalent and successful completion of college-level coursework or passing of an examination as required by the No Child Left Behind Act.

Nice To Haves

• Prior experience working with children with special needs is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with classroom teachers to co-deliver standards-based literacy instruction across primary grade levels.
• Collaborate with classroom teachers to co-plan effective standards-based literacy instruction across primary grade levels.
• Participate in Professional Learning Communities to collaborate on instructional practices, discuss data, and align practices with team goals.
• Participate in Science of Reading professional development.
• Provide Science of Reading-aligned reading interventions.
• Assist and guide students to reinforce reading and language arts.
• Work with students individually and in small groups to reinforce basic learning and implement assigned programs.
• Assist professional staff with administering and correcting classroom exercises, tests, and assessments.
• Assist with classroom preparation and strategies for reinforcing instructional materials and skills according to individual student needs.
• Assist with record-keeping procedures to document student learning and performance.
• Assist with classroom behavioral management to minimize disruptions, maintain a safe and orderly classroom, and keep students on task.
• Assist students in non-instructional areas, including lunch programs, bus duty, playground duty, corridors, and study halls.
• Accompany students on field trips to assist with supervision.
• Construct, copy, distribute, and use educational materials as needed.
• Assist teachers with parent contact as requested to foster effective and participatory parent involvement.
• Assist students with special needs in classroom instruction to maximize inclusion, learning, and achievement of IEP objectives.
• Participate in the IEP process and serve as a resource for the student personnel evaluation team as needed.
• Assist students with physical or mental disabilities with activities of daily living to maximize participation in school or learning activities.
• Follow applicable safety rules, procedures, and regulations for assisting all students, including those with disabilities or other special needs.
• Assist guidance staff, pupil services staff, or building administration as needed.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED